The Light at the End of the Tunnel

We are 5 days away from the next dose of Percorten and I can't believe that only 28 days will have passed. What a month it has been! I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel! My mind is still on overdrive and I am hypersensitive to every little movement and behavior Atlas exhibits. For example, Monday morning, I get home from work and I was SOOO ready to climb in my bed and go to sleep. I gave Atlas his meds, let the boys out to do their business, and we all climbed into bed. Atlas jumped into bed and laid beside me with his back curled towards me. I was petting him and noticed him trembling between his shoulder blades. I kept watching and it kept getting worse. I got his attention to see if he was just dreaming or truly shivering or tremoring. He moved a bit and then started this really heavy breathing and started grunting. I called the vet and they said to come on in. To the amusement of my neighbors, we piled into the Celica and after a hysterical, overtired cryfest to Jaime, we were at the vet 20 minutes later. The doctor came in and Atlas was excited for a moment and then when she went to listen to him, he climbed onto the seat where I usually sit and curled up there while she examined him. It was actually quite entertaining. One full physical exam, complete with rectal later, he was diagnosed with being a s%$#. Well, that was my diagnosis for him. The doctor did agree with that diagnosis as a secondary and said his primary diagnosis could be that he needed more Hydro. and to do 10 mg twice daily (we chose that dose b/c of how well he did one day on 17.5mg). Also, due to his refusal to eat his kibble, we all agreed I had to get tough and no longer put goodies in the bowls. We are now in process of finding a kibble that they both enjoy. Yes, I said kibble! Can you believe it? Well, just so ya know, the vet's office manager is as picky about diet as I am and has her dog on Cowboy Cookout. It's also a holistic diet and very clean. Her dog loves it and several techs have switched their dogs to it and their dogs can't wait to eat! They are going to get me a sample to try. I had a nice, long, much needed, and very therapeutic talk with the doctor. I told her that I believed that even though I meant well, in my ambition to help support Atlas with holistics, conventionals, and diet, too much changed at once and perhaps that is why this month has been so rough. Perhaps this little episode was just a way of his body saying, ENOUGH ALREADY! We were sent home with the orders to toughen up on food, give only the
conventional meds, and come on back April 4th! Since that day, I have been giving 10mg of Hydrocortisone twice daily, continued the Pepcid 20mg twice daily, and feeding him his kibble and walking away. He AND Cole have been eating, very energetic, and very interested in EVERYTHING. It's like having two toddlers discovering the world. I guess in a way Atlas is. He felt bad for who knows how long and is starting to feel better and wants to play play all the time!

Puppy Tales and Soapboxes

This has been the longest 3 weeks of my life. I keep forgetting that Atlas was just diagnosed with Addison's Disease on March 7th. I've been a bit anxious and wringing my hands a little lately, wondering I am doing the right treatment for him? Are all the supplements he's on really helping or should I just stick to what's been studied and proven (like I really trust the FDA...ha!)? If other dogs on Percorten and glucs have good appetites, what is wrong with Atlas, am I doing something wrong? Well, I think I answered that last question today. I was advised to put Atlas on a diet where the only protein source was fish. Confucius say "Atlas have too much heat in his body and need cool food. Fish is cool food, you feed dog fish." Ancient Chinese secret. When we first started out, he was still getting rid of the Dexamethasone and on the higher dose of Hydrocortisone so his appetite was a little bit better, but not great. I was still having to put chicken, salmon, wet cat food, or crumbled dog food roll to get him to eat. Or was he holding out for those things?? Hmmm...he has been known to do that. Sneaky. Lately, the only way I can really get him to eat the fish kibble is to sprinkle crumbled Natural Balance dog food rolls or some other "real" meat over it. I don't think he really likes the fish kibble, however, he'll eat a piece of fish. Another thing that makes you go hmmm? He's either playing me or really has an aversion to processed fish food. Well, I tested this theory by putting straight fish kibble in his bowl tonight...sniff, sniff, walks away and goes to his brother's bowl and eats some of that. Ok, redirect him to his bowl, add a bit of what Cole has and he digs in! AH-HA! Got your number now, buddy! I will still give him his "fun foods" in addition to kibble b/c I have to hide his meds in something. I also believe in supplementing with other quality real foods that aren't processed like dry kibble. Ideally, I would like them both on a species appropriate diet of fresh meat, bones, and bits of vegetation. I have never been happy with his diet, but picked the best processed food I could afford. I am big into diet, exercise, supplements (if needed), and getting the body back to how it's designed to work. While I do enjoy an occasional fast food meal(which is usually Subway), my diet is pretty simple and clean, boring to some. Lots of raw veggies, grilled chicken, grilled steak, fish, yogurt, fresh fruits, and Ezekiel bread. I am sure you are saying she is a bit of a wierdo...maybe, but I feel good and my digestion has never been better (we won't go there). So, in return, I believe that animals should get back to a more species appropriate diet. Processed kibbles are full of the ground up unusable left over parts (by products)of animals (including beaks and claws), fillers of corn and wheat, and then stuck together with preservatives..don't forget the coloring to make it prettier...and then we dish it out and Fido is supposed to enjoy and stay healthy? I don't think so. From the very beginning of Atlas' life with us, I have researched diets. Raw diets are the #1 recommended. I knew that a raw diet was not something that I could keep up, nor afford. Pounds of raw meat and bones everyday? While I would've loved to provide it, I was of the mindset that it might take a small fortune to feed a dog of Atlas' proportions. Perhaps, I just didn't do enough research on it. So, we researched dry kibble and what to look for as desirable and undesirable and chose Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice Adult Food. When we adopted Cole, I got on the diet kick again due to the fact that Cole was very gassy and a bit skinny (in all fairness, he was 11 months old and was neutered at 9 months of age so he didn't get the full use of his male hormones like Atlas did so he wasn't as muscular as I was used to). I researched and came across www.greatdanelady.com . I chose to follow her supplement routine she recommended and keep the food the same. I REALLY wanted to use a food she recommended also, but due to finances, I stuck with what I was feeding already. I definitely saw an improvement in Cole, whether it was the food or the supplements or both, I can't say for sure, but his gas became less frequent and less smelly and his haunches filled out more (could also be attributed to the fact that Danes grow and mature until 20 months, we exercise everyday, and the fact that he runs like a Greyhound!). Inspite of the supplementation, I still never felt like I was doing enough. As a result, here I am, back on the diet kick! I have Cole switching to Nutro Ultra Holisitic (still not on Dane Lady's list...damn!), Atlas on Natural Balance, and they both eat some of both! Dr. HOLISTIC (names have been changed to protect the identity of "innocents") wants to switch foods every couple months or so..guess we'll see. As long as everyone's gut can handle it, then I don't have a problem with it. I think they would enjoy the change too. Imagine eating the same thing over and over, day to day? No wonder they like treats so much! Aside from the kibble, there are BARF diets (Bones And Raw/Real Food), supplementation, commercially prepared wet foods, home cooked meal recipes!! AAAAH! Enough to drive one mad! There are those total proponents, total opponents, and then there are those who straddle the fence and supplement kibble with raw or cooked meals. I guess it comes down to read the information, glean and sort through it all, weigh the pros and cons, do what you feel is best and what your bank account allows, and see the results. In my opinion, I think that many health issues are created b/c we give processed foods that lack in so many vital vitamins, minerals, various meat proteins, essential fatty acids, etc. While products claim they add certain minerals, vitamins, EFAs, etc. these products are either from some unknown source, poorly absorbed, or damaged/destroyed in the prep and processing of the food. In my opinion (and it's ONLY an OPINION), if I choose to feed my best friend a diet of dry, processed kibble, I think I owe it to him/her to #1 choose the best quality food that I can afford and #2 supplement what he/she isn't getting. That could be through commercially prepared pills, powders, or liquids from well researched, quality sources, fresh meats, uncooked bones, homecooked "gourmutt" meals, etc. Health begins in the gut! Processed food..while convenient..is no longer natural. Your body was not meant to process preservatives, additives, colorings, etc. It'll adapt, but don't be surprised when it fights back! Yes, there are some diseases that are just hereditary and you can't avoid them, Addison's is thought to be one of them. Who knows? All I can do now is support my big boy through this and give him the best of everything. Hold on, I'm climbing down from my soapbox....on to today's events!
Phew! Let me catch my breath! Today was a good day. We all started out slow. Atlas began the day as his same old mopey, "I am not a morning dog" self. He has ALWAYS been that way (takes after his muthuh!). We get out of the bed, he'll reluctantly get up, go outside to pee, and usually go plop (literally) his big ole booty on the couch! He won't stay there all day, but it's at least 10 before he wants to do anything. Today, he had to at least get up to start taking his meds. On the menu this morning for Atlas was Fish Oil with a side of Pepcid, Milk Thistle, and Gastriplex a la Chicken and Rice wet cat food delicately placed over scrumptious Fish and Sweet Potato Tidbits. Cole received Fish Oil gently blanketed by Chicken and Rice moist cat food over a combination of Nutro Ultra & Natural Choice, sprinkled with Fish & Sweet Potato Tidbits. They picked out the cat food, inhaled it, and went right back to snoozing. No compliments to the chef on that one! Guess my meal prep needs some work. Around 11, I decided to try my hand at gourmet meals once again. It had been 12 hours since Atlas' last Hydrocortisone and it was time to dose again. I gathered their feeding supplies and headed back to their bowls to work my magic. Atlas got his 7.5mg of Hydrocortisone and ate his kibble with some encouragement from the 1/2 filet of tilapia I crumbled over it. Cole slowly savored his and kept coming out to check I didn't have an more "crumbles" for him. After eating, it was another snooze fest. I like them to rest and be quiet after they eat b/c of the problems with bloat that Danes can have. At one o'clock, we decided to go to Gramma Kat's and take a stroll. We got there and they came out the gates full speed! Cole went off into Coleland and kept in the bushes mostly..trying to catch something I am sure. Atlas strolled and sniffed and then all the sudden he got a wild hair and stared at Jaime's feet and got him to scuff and try and kick something up he could catch! He antagonized Jaime and engaged him in play the whole time! He dug at the ground, he pulled up some landscaping cloth and slung that around like it was alive, he ran through mud puddles! He had fire in his eyes! Ears perked, tail up! Unfortunately, play time had to end and we took them back home and went and did errands for about 4 hours. We came home and we was straight out the gate again! Took him outside to pee and he was antagonizing me, Jaime, and Cole to try to get us to chase him so he could turn and chase us. Tired of being hockey checked and playfully nipped, I went inside and got his Air Kong. He saw that his eyes lit up! He chased whomever would run with him, tugged with Jaime, Cole and me, dropped his Kong and looked at it and us as if it to say, "Come on, kick it, throw it, try and get it, I dare you!" He was all over the place. Cole got the zoomies at one point and Atlas thought, "Great, I can do that, too!" I haven't seen him that full of energy, antagonizing, and engaging another to play in a long time. We kept that up for about 30 minutes and then came in and I performed my feeding experiment. This time, AFTER he ate his kibble I supplemented him. He'll get the rest tonight with a scooby snack!
They are both knocked out right now. They both had baths, got their hair did, and their nails did, too. The Gourmutt DogBowl, a fundraiser for the Rescue Resource Foundation(www.rescueresourcefoundation.org), is tomorrow and they need their beauty rest! I am sure there will be some ladies there to impress. Time to pull out the bowties and as their Aunty Courtney (Courtnah!) would say, get spiffy!

Links for today's post:

An excellent website all about our beloved breed. Discusses general breed info, articles on diet, supplementation, diseases the breed is prone to, etc.
http://www.greatdanelady.com
http://www.danesonline.com
http://www.ginnie.com/gdlinks.htm <---includes links to info on dogs of other breeds

All about diet! There is tons of information out there and everyone has their own opinion! http://www.juliegever.com/soda/diet.htm
http://www.ginnie.com/welfare.htm
http://www.greatdanelady.com/lecture/index.htm
https://www.companionnaturalpetfood.com/why_natural.htm
http://www.api4animals.org/facts?p=359&more=1
http://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/healthy_gut_basis_of_wellness.htm

The Winning Numbers

Since Sunday we haven't really been doing much. Mom went to work Sunday-Tuesday night so we did a lot of sleeping. Yesterday we slept most of the day and then we took a short trot while mom and dad rollerblading up the road to the pool, around one short block, and back home. We haven't been in a while and Cole and I had our tongues hanging to the ground by the time we got back! When we got back, I got my meds and went back to bed and Mom and Dad went to visit Gramma Kat. This morning we got up around 10...well Mom did, but Cole and I were up chasing the cats around 8 and 9. They are so fun to chase! They growl and make those funny hissing and spitting noises! Anyway, Mom attempted to give me my Pepcid in some wet dog food and I just was not having it. No way! Ick! I know there is something better in that fridge! "She's holding out on me", I say to myself, and sure enough, wet cat food is presented to me! That's more like it! I'll eat that almost anytime! Oh, I can be such a little s#%& sometimes! Hey, gets me what I want, I know when you people are holding out. Just give up the goods the first time!
I'm a pretty smart pup and know when there is something better! But, I think Mom suspected something may be off when I also was not interested in my kibble this morning, even after she put some of our Natural Balance Dog Food Roll crumbled on it...I picked those pieces out and left the kibble. I heard Mom mention to the doctor that she thinks my appetite was less than desirable b/c she didn't give me enough Hydrocortisone for my activity level yesterday. Still tweaking and learning what I need. Wish I could speak human. Why can't you people learn to speak dog, for Pete's sake? You domesticate us and ask us to live with you and be your companion but refuse to speak our language?!? Ya'll wonder why we have so many problems? Just kidding..but not really. I digress, on with the story.
I got 10mg of Hydrocortisone this morning to account for my 2 vet visits. I usually get 7.5mg but since I was maybe lacking from yesterday and then going to be stressed out today with the 2 vet appointments, Mom gave me a wee bit extra. I'm sure it may have made her feel better and I suppose it helped me too, but man, I was thirsty and peed a bit more today than normal! Not like a couple weeks ago, though. Every 2-3 hours out to pee and then more to drink, that was just ridiculous.
My first stop of the day was the doctor that does my acupuncture. She said I looked a lot better and was impressed with my mood and how inquisitive I was with stuff in her room. She was glad to see that I was interested in giving her some love too. Last time, I just laid on the floor the whole time..and I hate laying on hard floors! I got my acupuncture and she looked at my tongue and felt my pulses, palpated my neck, and felt my back. Hey, give me a massage while you are at it! She mentioned my tongue was still pale which indicates a blood deficiency but she doesn't want to help strengthen my blood yet b/c the antioxidants may be too hard on my gut and we are still working on strengthening that! One thing at a time please people! She still felt some "heat" (yang) in my pulses and in the lumbar area of my back (could've been from my little jog yesterday). The whole Yin/Yang theory is interesting and is also a balancing act within the body, when one is out of whack, the other takes over and an illness is born. The link on the yin/yang is very interesting and explains it all very well. Take a look, fascinating and something worth considering! Back to the rest of my story! Apparently, the pulses she felt heat in on my first visit and with this one are connected to my gut and I still need to work on strengthening that...thus the supplements of 6-gentlemen (Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan) and Gastriplex that I take. One was just added today, but I haven't started, Gui Pi Wan. Guess my pale tongue has something to do with the addition of this one! Before I close this portion of my entry, I wanted to better explain the traditional Chinese medicine (very interesting site that I linked to the words to the left, navigate the site if you are interested in TCM or more explanations of what I am talking about) :

"TCM is a holistic approach to health which views the patient as an organism with interrelated energetic parts rather than breaking the individual down into separate systems and symptoms. Holistic Medicine is an approach that considers the animal as a whole... body, mind, spirit, diet and environment. It can be Eastern, Western or Integrated in its basic philosophy and still be holistic. " http://www.veterinaryacupuncture.net/

Somewhat off subject but neat and made me believe more in this mumbo jumbo was when the doctor was petting Cole, I mean literally brushed her hand over his lumbar area in passing, she said "OOOH, he has some heat right there." Now here's the cool part, not cool for Cole, but anyway, Mom said, "Where?" and the doctor showed her, and Mom replied, "That is so funny you say that b/c for a couple weeks he has been lifting his back left paw and limping at times, still runs and plays, his leg and paw are non tender to touch, but he has been laying around a lot more and sitting a lot more like he hurts back there." Reminder: Mom didn't mention this to the doctor until right then. Pretty cool, huh?? The doctor massaged Cole's back and told Mom to do that at home and do some heat and cool pack therapy. Maybe there is something to all this zen, yin, yang, chi, qi stuff after all!
Well, my second stop involved a needle of a different kind! Time to get some blood drawn and see what was happening in my xue (blood). My sodium was 157 (norm 144-160), potassium 4.3 (norm 3.5-5.8) . My ALT, a liver enzyme test, was elevated at 155 (norms are 10-100 at my vet office..every office can have a slightly different normal value range depending on their machine). The ALT (alanine transaminase) is an enzyme found in liver cells and when the liver is damaged (by drugs, illness, drug overdoses) this enzyme leaks into the blood and is measured as high. It increases dramatically with illnesses such as hepatitis and drug overdoses such as Tylenol. In my case, I have been hit with high doses steroids and am now just finding my "physiologic" dose and the ALT is expected to be high. Of course, I am on an herb to combat that too, Milk Thistle, which is a liver protectant and has been proven to stimulate new liver cell growth. I am due to go back in 13 days for my next set of labs and another Percorten-V shot. My intervals between shots may be more or less, depending on how it breaks down in my body. My dose may increase or decrease also. I have been told that it could take a year or so to learn what I require and we are just taking it one day at a time! OH! I weighed 137 lbs today which is up 7 lbs from my visit last week. I must be retaining a little water! Do I look bloated to you? Damn steroids!! Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em!
Ok, guess what? Time for me to go crawl in my mom's side of the bed! We have a big day planned for tomorrow! A big day of sleeping! I'm going to get started now! Thank you and good night! Atlas has left the building!

A Lazy Sunday and more links!

Atlas has left me to update today! He has a big three days and is knocked out! He and Cole haven't had this much activity in a long time! Time to get back in shape.
It's a nice day here in sunny Charleston! A little chill in the air, but nothing that a light sweatshirt won't shield you from. Jaime went out of town yesterday and I and the boys went to the "bark park" at James Island County Park. There weren't as many dogs there as I thought there would be, but there were plenty enough according to Atlas and Cole. They greeted just about every one of them and even picked a Boxer and a Jack Russell to chase around a little bit. Atlas was definitely alot more interested in being there this time! The last time we went was 3 days before he showed his first "crashing" symptoms. Amazing the difference I saw in him from that day to yesteday! Just amazing! I had to call Jaime and describe what I was seeing. After the bark park, we headed to Superpetz and got food and knuckle bones. They were the hit of the store! Always providing amazement and entertainment wherever they go! It may be that I'm the entertainment....little girl with 2 huge dogs?? How does she do it???
Today is Sunday. I start my 3 nights in a row work week tonight. It has been a lazy day except for a little bit of playing the boys did in the backyard. Atlas wanted to play with his Air Kong. My friend, Remy, had one for her lab out at the beach last year and Atlas took a liking to it. It's a cigar shaped tennis ball with rope on it. The boys played tug-of-war together for a bit, something I haven't seen them do in a while! Then, we took a trip to Gramma Kat's house for a walk around Bird Sanctuary Circle (pond behind their house on the Stono River-I think- that is a bird sanctuary). Oh the smells! Noses to the ground, tails up! Cole spent most of his time in the bushes! A quick stop at Subway and here we are at home. Jaime's researching laptops and I am researching how to get my information on Addison's added to the others that are out there! I also have been given some interesting links to Addison's. Here they are and I am off to enjoy the rest of the day before I head into take care of the children!

Article on Glucocorticoids and a gluc. to gluc. converter:
(http://www.utskinvet.org/pdf/Corticosteroids.pdf)
http://www.globalrph.com/corticocalc.htm

Web series on Primary and Atypical Addison's and stories of dogs diagnosed--a site that I vistited frequently while Atlas was suspected to have AD, but not yet official:
http://www.ginnie.com/DaDane368.shtml
http://www.ginnie.com/DaDane369.shtml
http://www.ginnie.com/DaDane370.shtml


Continuously updated site on the study at UCDavis concerning AD and Great Danes, includes links to more information on AD and the breed in general:
http://gdca.org/health/addisons.htm

Friday Night at Folly Beach!

Atlas and his favorite past time!Chasing sand on the left and trying to catch it on the right! Cole doesn't know what the heck his brother thinks is so fun about that! He's waiting for someone or something to say hi to!

<---Watch out for the sandtrap!

Atlas looking for someone to start kicking so he can start chasing and catching. Cole, ever vigilant, searching for that one walker who needs to be greeted and sniffed.

"Can we stay 5 more minutes?" Rest up boys, there's plenty more where that came from. Beach house time is coming up soon!

"Tired boss, dog tired." --John Coffey in "The Green Mile"

It was good to see Atlas' old spark and energy back. He had no interest in his ball whatsoever, it was all sand chasing! Cole, alert and keyed into movement, had no interest in playing with us. He wanted to greet whomever he could! Fortunately, there were not as many dogs or people out there tonight as there usually are, so the boys got a good bit of off the leash time. Atlas is a little better off the leash b/c he is so interested in chasing sand and digging he couldn't care less about what's going on around him, however, Cole is the official meet and greet of where ever he is! He will run full blast up to people (which I can imagine is pretty scary when you see this big ole dog coming up to you at full speed) and literally, look at them, sniff a bit, get a pat usually, and run on back. If I can't get him to stop, I usually just yell ahead of him and say "He's just coming to say hello!" Luckily, Folly Beach folks are pretty dog friendly. You have your occasional crabass, but that's very far and few between and the boys are very rarely off the leash at peak walking time. Anyway, it's off to the dog park tomorrow. Jaime will be off doing his car tuning thing at a race and I will be home alone with the boys, so I figured what better day to go to the park! Slipping back into our old routine and Atlas is keeping up just fine! Perky and bright eyed! Just hope Cole and I can keep up!

Quick Update

<---Howl-o-Ween 2004.."Look, mom, a baby cow!" , a child said one year..before he grew the horns!

Wow, am I feeling good! I am playing, cuddling, eating, drinking, and putting my weight back on! I did have to make a pit stop at the vet today, though. On Tuesday, I ate a little bit of my brother's food mixed with mine and Mom told dad to watch me b/c I might have an upset tummy from that and may have some softer than normal poos. Well, to add insult to injury, I decided I wanted a little dessert that night and got some tootsie rolls from the cat box. So, yes, I did have some soft poos yesterday and this morning. Not sure if it was from Cole's food or the tootsie rolls..maybe a bit of both?!? I am still interested in food, water, playing with my ball, and being outside though, so I am staying hydrated and active. Mom called the vet and talked to them and the doctor just wanted to take a quick peek at me. So, we all piled into the Celica b/c dad has the truck, and took a quick, but cramped ride to the vet. Everyone there was so happy to see me looking better and gave them lots of leans and tail thumping just to show them how happy and healthy I am! I weighed 130 lbs today too. All I have to do is take Flagyl for the next 5 days ( a medicine I am all too familiar with) and Immodium if I need it. I am also on a bland diet for the next 3 days. Mom got me some Prescription I/D this time. Guess she's tired of making chicken and rice! I sure do love my chicken though! Well, I have people to bark at and leans to give! More updates later! I go back for my first follow up labs next week! We'll see just how this Percorten-V is working for me!

Links I have found helpful

Below are links to great educational and informational websites on Canine Addison's Disease. Links are included within these websites that were very helpful also. I encourage anyone who is interested in herbs as a complementary therapy to research the herb first so you know what you are giving. Even though they are herbs and considered natural, they are still medicinal and can potentially interact with meds your animal is on.

Simple explanations of Addison's, medications, lab values, etc.
www.addisondogs.com
www.k9addisons.com

A wonderful website provided by the manufacturer of Percorten. It gives a comprehensive, but more in depth description of Addison's Disease: http://informatics.vetmed.vt.edu/novartis/percorten.html

Excellent site describing different dogs and their experience with Addison's Disease. Includes dogs that benefited from complementary therapy:
http://www.shannonwilkinson.com/WholeDogJournal.htm

A wonderful website that I have been frequenting before I got Atlas. I used it to research the breed to make sure we were right for one another. They have wonderful information on breed specific issues as well as a plethora of links to other websites. Excellent resource for Great Dane owners.
www.danesonline.com

A week ago at this time...

<----Atlas and his kitty, Sebastian. They have been buds since day 1!

Well, it is 3/10/06 at 11:30 p.m. on the East coast. This time last week Jaime and I were in the ER with Atlas. I remember the doctor looking very concerned as she told us she was admitting him for evaluation of his heart and lab work. 7 days later here we are at The Varn Estate (little inside joke).
We all came to my mom's house yesterday evening and are staying the weekend while her and my bonus dad are in Key West. We usually come over here when they go out of town and take care of the animals. Melkey is a diabetic cat that requires insulin and Synthroid twice daily, Winter is a completely healthy cat that just needs loving, and then there is Chaz, the small mixed breed dog, whom requires nothing but walks belly rubs!
My boys love it over here. The house is on a marsh and has a pond with a bird sanctuary behind it. They love their off leash walks! I am sure the smells are just wonderful to their big ole puppy noses.
Atlas' mood and energy were much improved today. He still seems to be peeing and drinking more, unable to make it through the night without having to go out to pee, having loose stools, and panting more than he normally does. I discussed these symptoms with his vet today (the conventional one) and they said to cut his Hydrocortisone from 15mg twice daily to 7.5 mg twice daily. He had already received his 15 mg this morning, however. I watched him the rest of the day to see if I was just being impatient and he was still clearing all that Dex and the day of Prednisone or if he was truly getting too much drug. He did seem to pee less and drink less, inspite of the 15mg he received, but he still is doing it more than he normally would as compared to what he used to do. I can tell when the drugs are decreasing in his system b/c he doesn't go to the water bowl as often or drink as long. I also really noticed the panting today. He would just be standing looking out the window or get up to see what I was doing and just be panting away, not a fast one, but clearly an open mouth pant that he usually never does unless he is excited, in pain, or just finished playing.
I don't know what to quite make of his appetite. Is it increased b/c of the drugs or b/c he is truly hungry and feeling better and wanting to eat? Or is it all because when he gets food there is a little something exciting in it..like real salmon...hmm..curious. When he gets his food, he doesn't devour it like he is ravenously hungry. He eats at a normal pace and if we are eating he will hold out like we are going to give him something off of our plate (an old Atlas behavior). After our dinner is over, he goes back to his bowl and eats his food. Smart boy! Another thing that was different tonight as opposed to last night, before the AD he would be very curious about what was going on in the kitchen when we were cooking. I mean, sometimes it's like he is trying to help us cook, head all up in the way..and that's a big head! Tonight, that behavior returned and it was kinda cool to see him interested and perked up by what we were cooking and eating. I fed him his kibble, rice, and salmon before we ate, and he ate a bit, but then saw us sitting down to eat and stopped and waited to make sure we didn't have anything better. After we finished, he went back to his bowl and ate his food. I told Jaime..there's an old Atlas behavior. It's exciting to see.
I didn't start the new Hydrocortisone dose yet. I want to make sure I'm not jumping the gun on changing it even though I know the vet said it would be ok and from what I've been told by my support groups, Danes usually don't require much in the way of gluc replacement. But, I don't want to change things too quickly, do I? I am not in the animal medical field so I am really having to trust the doctors and trust those that have been through this before me. Anyway, I gave him 10 mg tonight. I am still making sure he gets out to pee at least every 4 hours during the day, which was our schedule before all this. I, of course, take him out if he is acting restless or standing at the door looking longingly at a patch of grass. The real test will be tonight. Last night, he needed to go out in the middle of the night, so we'll see what tonight brings.
We went on two short walks around the pond today. He was perky and interested in all the smells. He even became interested in my feet when we came to a dirt patch that I could kick..remember the kicking sand story (My Modeling Days)? Yeah, if he hears your shoes scuffing, he is ready to chase whatever you can kick up! What did I start that day on the beach?
We also took a ride to our house to check on the kitties and get the mail. He was interested in watching what was going on and when he got bored, he put his head on the center console to get his nose rubbed. That was something he didn't do last week. Last week, he stuck to the back of the truck and Cole got the view of where we were going instead of where we had been.
I have been very encouraged by what I have been seeing. Thank you to all those who have been checking on him through the site, email, or phone! It means alot to us to know that we have such a great support system that understands what our animals mean to us and just how much we love them! Thanks also to my new family at Yahoo Groups for Addison's dogs! I appreciate your help and your stories of experience!
Atlas and Cole have a picture on www.danesonline.com in their Pics of the week section. By next week it will be in the Archived Photo Section (it'll be week 336). Atlas also has pics in the Archived photos in weeks 185, 199, and 265.

My Modeling Days

Atlas . This is picture of me at my favorite place in the world..Folly Beach! I was 6 months old when this picture was taken. A local professional painter/photographer John Carroll Doyle requested to take photographs of me and I happily posed and gave him some action shots of me running at full speed in the water. It was a fun day. Whoever says modeling is hard is crazy! Maybe it's easy when you are as cute as I am! I still look the same, except the only pink spot on my nose is the one on my left nostril. Every year Mom, Dad, Gramma Kat, Grandpaw, Cole, and I vacation at Folly in my Grandpaw's front beach beach house. I am a lucky dog, dontcha think? I sure do! I have been going to the beach house every summer for 2-4 weeks at a time since I was 6 months old. I love to run in the water and chase sand when Mom or Dad kick it with their feet. My brother and I sure do get lots of attention when we take our twice a day walks. We have friends out there that remember us year to year too. It's a fun time and I love it and would love to live out there. Maybe one day when mom and dad win the lottery I'll have a beach house of my own and be able to chase sand every day!

Hello, My name is Atlas and I have AD

<---Guest of honor at a tea party for 10 year old little girls!

What a big day I had! My mom and dad have been doing so much research about Addison's Disease that I have a feeling that I will be very well taken care of! My spirits are better today and I definitely perk up when I smell that chicken cooking or hear mom opening the tupperware! I am getting my strength back bit by bit. I am interested in playing ball and chasing ducks which more than I can say for how I felt last week! I thoroughly enjoy my rides in the truck and loved going to the pet store yesterday! Slowly but surely I am feeling like my old self.
As you all know, I got my 1st dose of Percorten-V yesterday. I received 4.75 mL (118.75mg) in my right back thigh muscle...ouch!!! Mom insisted on baseline labs and they were all normal except my liver enzyme ALT was 119 which was a bit elevated but b/c of the high dose steroids to keep me stable over the weekend that was to be expected. In addition, I was started on Prednisone 20mg once daily and Pepcid 20 mg twice daily to help protect my already sensitive stomach. Mom went to work last night and researched Addison's disease some more and alternative treatments such as herbs, etc. that may help compliment conventional steriod therapy. A little back ground on mom..she is into organics and holistics but also believes in regular conventional treatment. Mom works at MUSC Children's Hospital and is a pediatric nurse. She works with all the kids including those with cancer, endocrine disorders (which is what Addison's is), kidney disorders, etc. She is very familiar with the drugs I am taking and made sure she researched Percorten-V (it's canine exclusive) extensively before I got it so she knew what to expect as far as dosages, side effects, administration, etc. During mom's research, she found that there are dogs out there that have been given alternative holistic treatment in addition to their corticoid treatment and have had great success with it. They have been able to go longer between their Percorten-V injections and even had their dose reduced. Her research also showed that Hydrocortisone may be the better choice for glucocorticoid replacement therapy. She also talked with an endocrinologist and asked about Prednisone vs. Hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone was the preferred drug in her opinion also. As a result, today she called the vet that has a doctor that specializes in Chinese Herbal Therapy and Acupuncture. Mom also called my regular vet to talk about switching to Hydrocortisone. She also had questions about the other treatment Florinef (instead of getting the monthly injections of Percorten-V). She just always wants the best for me and wants to know what the best approach would be. So, at 12 o'clock my mom, Cole, and I went to the vet with the holistic doctor. Surprise! Dad was there too! We met with the doctor and discussed my past history, my new history, what our goals were with holistic medicine, and then the doctor told us her approach. Her suggestions were to change my diet and get my gut healthy to start with(I have a history of sensitive stomach and several bouts of diarrhea). She also suggested herbal therapy of Milk Thistle (to help the liver b/c of the steroids), 6-gentlemen (a Chinese herb to help the gut) and Gastriplex to help the gut. I am already on a probiotic, as is Cole, and the doctor liked that and said keep with it. She said that the herbs will change over time and this is a layered process and to not expect a quick fix but rather a gradual improvement. The diet I will be eating is a fish and sweet potato diet and that will be for the next month or so. Mom chose Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance. I used to be on Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice, so it was suggested that since my digestive system has been sensitive in the past and has been hit with antibiotics and high dose steroids this past week that we ease into the change. Mom grilled salmon tonight and mixed that with chicken and rice and the new kibble. I was having loose stools all week b/c my diet has been so off and the meds have been high doses, but today I have been having more formed stools. My brother is getting switched to Nutro Holistic for adults. Maybe eventually I will eat that too, but for right now we are going with the doctors suggestions. I had acupuncture today too. We go back to her 2-4 weeks and to my other vet in 2 weeks for blood work. All my doctors are aware of one another and aware of the other's treatments. Here are a few links on Addison's disease that mom felt helpful:
www.addisondogs.com
www.k9addisons.com
http://www.shannonwilkinson.com/WholeDogJournal.htm

Atlas and AD: The Beginning

Hi! My name is Atlas and I am a 3 year old neutered Harlequin Great Dane. I must say that I am a pretty handsome boy with my one blue eye and one brown eye. I have been told in the past that I am a "fine specimen" and usually weigh in around 134 lbs. However, right now, I have lost a little bit of weight (6 lbs.) because I have been under the weather. On March 7th, 2006 I was diagnosed with Addison's Disease. Luckily, my mom is a nurse and my dad is pretty observant and I was diagnosed within a few days of showing my first symptoms. Here's my story:
On Monday, February 27th, 2006 my mom gave me and my Merle Great Dane brother (Cole) a large Greenie. My mom works night shift and went to work as usual and I was feeling ok and looking ok. However, on Tuesday the 28th I started to feel a bit down and out. While my mom slept in the afternoon for work that night, I slept on the floor..which is not like me b/c I love being on the bed! I could tell my mom thought that was wierd but she decided to not freak out..yet. She took Cole and me outside and I peed and tried to poop and only got a little bit out with mucus in it. Mom got concerned then and thought the Greenie just upset my stomach a bit. We went inside and I laid down immediately, I didn't even want water like I normally do after I come in from outside. Mom then encouraged Cole and me to come upstairs for dinner. Cole ate but I wasn't interested. Mom tried my favorites to get me to eat and I just didn't want to. All I wanted to do was lay down. Mom knew something wasn't right b/c I wouldn't stand up for anymore than 5-10 seconds at a time. She told dad what was happening and he watched me the rest of the night while she was at work. Well, my night didn't get any better and dad called mom at work and let her know. She told him to meet her at the vet when they opened at 8. So, March 1, 2006 they took me to see my doctor and everyone assumed I had a reaction to the Greenie and possible partial bowel obstruction. My doctor heard a heart murmur during his exam..which I have never had before. I stayed at the vet and got IV fluids and Flagyl IV. I drank while I was there and ate a can of boring, bland dog food. I was sent home on Flagyl and when dad picked me up, on the way to the truck I pooped out the Greenie..it was very hard and golf ball size and made me bleed a little. After that everyone thought that was the end of it and I would be fine. Well, not the case. That night I got really tired again and laid around alot and didn't eat or drink. Mom took me back to the vet the next day(Thursday March 2nd) and they kept me and gave me IV fluids again and put some potassium in them again. The IV fluids made me feel alot better and I ate and drank at the vet and got to go home again. I got home, drank a little, and laid back on my couch. On Friday, March 3rd, Mom still thought I was acting too tired and depressed and took me back to the vet. My doctor wasn't there so I saw a different one. She drew blood work and did and x-ray of my belly. My belly showed nothing but inflammation and generalized gas, however, my blood work showed a slighly low sodium, a slightly increased postassium, and a slightly increased creatinine. The doctor said I was acting like an Addisonian dog but since she didn't have any blood work to compare to and I had had IV fluids she really couldn't be for sure. She told mom to give me Prednisone (a glucocorticoid that Addisonian dogs don't make and could possibly make me feel better if that is what I had) that day and call her the next day and update her. I didn't get IV fluids that day. I went home and slept the whole day, but I ate a little bit of chicken and rice. Later that evening, mom was listening to my heart and heard it was beating really fast and at times my heart would beat really really fast and then slow back down again. That made her nervous, but she was encouraged b/c I had eaten a little and a drank a little bit earlier that evening. About 10 that night, Mom and dad really had to encourage me to get off the couch to go to the bathroom, and when I got up my back legs were really weak and I couldn't get up very well. Mom and dad got REALLY scared. That bought me a trip to the emergency vet. The doctor there assessed me and got concerned b/c my heart had a loud murmur and was beating really fast and my pulses in my back legs were weak. I was also acting very lethargic and depressed and I was slightly dehydrated. So, I stayed and got a chest x-ray and EKG..which were all normal. They also drew labs and that showed my sodium was even lower at 137, my potassium was 8.6, and creatinine was still a bit high. They gave me normal saline IV fluids and the doctor agreed I probably had Addison's but wouldn't definitely know until Monday when I could get the ACTH test. I stayed the weekend and got IV fluids and Dexamethasone. My electrolytes returned to normal but I didn't eat unless mom and dad brought me chicken. They visited me twice each day and walked me and I even played ball with my dad on Sunday night. On Monday, March 6th, I went back to my vet and had my test, I got a little bit of IV fluids and more Dexamethasone. I ate a little bit and I drank alot and peed alot. I went home at 4pm. That night I was so happy to be home. I started to eat a little bit of rice and chicken and I drank alot. The next morning which was Tuesday March 7th the doctor called and said I definitely had Addison's, so I went back at 4pm that day and got my 1st dose of Percorten-V, started on Prednisone 20mg per day, Pepcid 20mg twice daily to protect my stomach from the harsh effects of the steroids. So, here I am, eating great, drinking alot (side effect of all the steroids), and peeing alot ( also a side effect). But my story isn't over! Check for updates!